Director Jose Javier Reyes reigned supreme for the past two consecutive years of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) with the Judy Ann Santos-Ryan Agoncillo starrer Kasal Kasali Kasalo in 2006 and its sequel Sakal Sakali Saklolo in 2007. Both films were box-office hits and earned critics' acclaim. Can he repeat history with his sex-comedy entry One Night Only?
THE PLOT. In a nutshell, One Night Only is an ensemble film in the likes of Gilbert Perez's Jologs. Basically, the premise revolves around an entire cast, instead of just one or two main characters. Even though every single cast member has his or her own separate story, their collective storylines make up an encompassing umbrella plot where all of these characters play a vital part to push the narrative forward. It takes a great deal of character development and ingenuity to pull this off. But with thorough treatment from a skilled filmmaker, he could easily produce a runaway charmer. Otherwise, the result could easily be mistaken as a mess.
This ensemble film is topbilled by Katrina Halili, the gold-digging mistress of a congressman played by Ricky Davao; Alessandra de Rossi, the demure movie extra who falls prey to a sex maniac actor played by Paolo Contis; Jennylyn Mercado, the girlfriend of a tomboy played by Manilyn Reynes; and Valerie Concepcion and Diana Zubiri, the ladies who set a rendezvous with the same guy played by Jon Avila.
Rounding up the cast are Jayson Gainza, Valerie's boyfriend and Ricky's deputy officer in the film; Ogie Diaz, the controversy-hungry showbiz reporter who was beaten up by Paolo's character; Chokoleit, Ogie's friend in the film; and Joross Gamboa, the only man who could satiate Chokoleit's sexual desire in the film.
These 13 characters, divided by six degrees of separation, end up in the same seedy motel at the film's finale. What events lead to that incident comprise the entire running time of the movie.
THE VERDICT. This MMFF entry is meant to confuse viewers especially during its first half. The relationships that connect the 13 characters are marred by unclear, almost unidentifiable ties. The film never fails to keep us guessing. However, it doesn't give us enough reason to stay interested in these characters' multiple pursuits. Following their interspersed stories feels more like a chore, rather than an entertaining viewing experience. Moreover, there are way too many characters in this movie. Three or more characters could have been axed to give ample time in exploring the depth of the other more important characters who play pivotal roles to the grand finale the film is aiming to achieve.
In terms of acting, the film belongs to Alessandra. Her comic rendition of a conservative, seemingly virginal character is effortlessly funny and equally convincing. When she turns herself into a sex-starved temptress, that's when all the hilarity ensues. Her tandem with Paolo serves a platter of effective goofs and gags. Meanwhile, the rest of the cast delivers performances that range from subpar acting to overacting.
One Night Only bagged the Best Festival Original Story Award for Jose Javier Reyes while Manilyn Reynes was named the Best Festival Supporting Actress.
Produced by OctoArts Films, One Night Only is currently being screened in cinemas nationwide as part of the 34th Metro Manila Film Festival. It is rated R13 by the Movie and Television Review & Classification Board.
